'Magpies' owner Mike Ashley stunned supporters on Monday after he announced that talks over a sale were "at a more progressed stage" than ever before.
However, speaking ahead of the trip to Everton on Wednesday night, Benitez said he was keen to ignore any off-field distractions.
"We have been in this position in the past. We have to carry on. We have an important game to play and we have to focus on that," the Spaniard said.
"I was talking today with Lee Charnley and the message is very clear - it is business as usual.
"We have had this before and we have to concentrate on the game. For us, it is really business as usual."
Newcastle got off to a dismal start to the season, only for a three-game winning run in November to allow them to drag themselves out of the relegation zone.
Now, with the January window approaching, Benitez says he and managing director Lee Charnley are busy working on potential targets who can help the club strengthen.
"We have been working about that. We will continue working with the same idea," Benitez explained.
"For us, it doesn't change anything. We have to look for our targets and just be ready for January 1."